Sharron Gunn leaves ICAEW as COO role is removed

Sharron Gunn has left the ICAEW following a decision to remove the chief operating officer (COO) role from ICAEW’s structure. 

Gunn joined ICAEW in 2001 as head of Technical Services and Product Development, and advanced through various roles, including director of Member Services in 2006, executive director in 2012, and COO in 2021.

Having been a board member for over a decade, the institute said Gunn has been “instrumental in propelling ICAEW’s growth both domestically and internationally”. 

It added she was “vital” in developing and implementing a variety of new member support services and commercial initiatives. Notable achievements include the overhaul of member facilities at Chartered Accountants’ Hall and the launch of its Academy of Professional Development. 

Gunn was also referred to as a “champion” for gender diversity in the profession, having spearheaded many equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) initiatives, such as establishing the Women in Leadership programme and leading ICAEW’s involvement in Rise, an initiative designed to enhance social mobility by equipping young people with essential skills that businesses require.

Peter Wyman CBE, chair of the ICAEW board, said: “While ICAEW is saddened to see Sharron depart, the ICAEW board extends its sincere gratitude to Sharron for her extensive and impactful contributions to the organisation over the past 23 years. She leaves behind an impressive legacy.”